Port Adelaide residents and workers within one kilometre of Moonta Road have been ordered to evacuate after burning sulphur sent a large plume of toxic smoke across the industrial district.
The Metropolitan Fire Service described the area as “extremely dangerous” and warned the public not to enter. Smoke was moving south to southeast during the initial response, placing communities downwind on alert as emergency crews worked to control the industrial fire.
About 15 fire appliances were sent to the scene, including aerial units and hazardous-material vehicles. A worker was rescued from the building and transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Their condition was not immediately confirmed.
Warning escalated as smoke spread from Moonta Road
The MFS first issued a “Stay Informed” message at 11.31am. The incident was upgraded to an Emergency Warning at 12.29pm, bringing an immediate evacuation order for everybody within the one-kilometre zone.
The warning applies to anyone inside the marked area, including residents, employees, customers and visitors. It is based on distance from Moonta Road and does not cover every part of the Port Adelaide suburb.
Authorities published a map with the warning to help people determine whether they are inside the affected area. Anyone close to the boundary should consult the official Port Adelaide evacuation map and MFS alert rather than estimating the distance.
People leaving the area should take medication, identification, phones, chargers, keys, water and essential supplies for children or pets. Those who have already evacuated should not return because the smoke appears lighter. Wind can temporarily move the plume while hazardous conditions remain around the building.
The burning structure has been described as an industrial shed measuring approximately 100 metres by 25 metres. Authorities had not established how much sulphur was stored inside, what caused the fire or the full extent of the damage.
Smoke creates the wider danger for surrounding communities
Burning sulphur can release sulphur dioxide, a colourless gas with a strong, irritating smell. It can cause watery eyes, nose and throat irritation, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and breathing difficulty.
Children, adults over 65, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and those living with asthma, diabetes or heart and lung conditions can be more sensitive to smoke exposure.
People outside the mandatory evacuation zone who encounter smoke should close doors, windows and air vents. Home and vehicle air conditioners should be switched to recirculation mode to limit the amount of outside air being drawn inside.
Outdoor exercise should be postponed while smoke is present. Authorities also advise reducing indoor pollution from smoking, candles, vacuuming and unnecessary cooking with gas.
Industrial fires can affect different neighbourhoods as wind conditions change. During the earlier Geelong refinery fire and toxic-smoke emergency, a wind change shifted the smoke risk towards other communities. Port Adelaide residents should therefore rely on updated warnings rather than the plume’s earlier direction.
Anyone experiencing severe or worsening breathing problems should move away from the smoke and call Triple Zero on 000. Persistent symptoms that are not immediately life-threatening should still be assessed by a medical professional.
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Road closures could affect workers, freight and local travel
Ocean Steamers Road was closed in both directions as firefighters and specialist crews moved into the area. Additional restrictions may be introduced if the exclusion zone changes or emergency services need more operating space.
Motorists should avoid Moonta Road and the surrounding industrial precinct. Navigation apps may not display new roadblocks immediately, creating a risk that drivers could be directed towards the smoke or an emergency cordon.
The restrictions may also affect freight movements and people travelling to nearby workplaces. Employees should contact their employer remotely instead of attempting to enter a closed area. Comparable disruption occurred when a major Adelaide fire forced road closures and a dangerous-area declaration.
Approximately 15 appliances and four commanders were reported at the Port Adelaide scene. The deployment included aerial and hazmat vehicles required for a complex fire involving hazardous material.
Residents can contact the MFS Information Hotline on 1800 362 361, selecting option 1 and then option 0. People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 1300 555 727 and ask for the hotline, while the TTY service is available on 133 677.
No return time had been announced for evacuated residents. Until the emergency warning is formally changed, people within the one-kilometre zone should remain away from the area, avoid closed roads and continue monitoring official updates.
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